Maintenance Manager

HR Consulting Solutions is a full service HR consulting and executive search firm that has been retained by Premier Candle Corporation to conduct a search for an experienced Maintenance Manager to join their manufacturing leadership team in Hickory, Kentucky.ABOUT PREMIER CANDLEPremier Candle is a leading manufacturer of scented candles and home fragrance products. Formerly known as Mayfield Consumer Products, the company has undergone significant transformation and investment in recent years following the devastating tornado that impacted the facility and community in 2021.Today, Premier Candle is focused on rebuilding, modernizing operations, investing in people, and creating a culture centered on accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. The organization operates multiple production lines and is actively investing in automation, equipment upgrades, and infrastructure improvements to support future growth. This is an exciting opportunity for a maintenance leader who wants to make a meaningful impact, build a high performing maintenance organization, and help shape the future of a growing manufacturing operation.POSITION SUMMARYReporting directly to the Plant Manager, the Maintenance Manager will provide leadership, direction, and oversight for all maintenance operations within the manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for leading a team of approximately 18 maintenance employees, including maintenance supervisors and maintenance technicians across multiple shifts. The Maintenance Manager will play a critical role in improving equipment reliability, developing preventative maintenance programs, implementing a new Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), supporting automation initiatives, and driving continuous improvement throughout the facility. This position is primarily a strategic leadership role focused on planning, team development, process improvement, and operational execution. While occasional hands on involvement may be required during critical situations, the primary responsibility is leading the maintenance function and building a sustainable maintenance culture that supports production goals and long term operational success.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESMaintenance Leadership & OperationsLead all maintenance activities for the manufacturing facilityProvide leadership and direction to maintenance supervisors, technicians, and support personnelEstablish maintenance priorities and allocate resources to support production objectivesEnsure timely response to equipment issues while minimizing downtimeDevelop and monitor maintenance performance metrics and key performance indicatorsCoordinate maintenance schedules with production leadership to support operational efficiencyManage maintenance budgets, equipment expenditures, and vendor relationshipsPreventative Maintenance & ReliabilityDevelop and implement preventative and predictive maintenance programsImprove equipment reliability and reduce unplanned downtimeAnalyze maintenance trends and identify opportunities for improvementDrive root cause analysis and corrective action efforts related to equipment failuresEnsure maintenance documentation and records are accurate and maintainedCMMS Implementation & Continuous ImprovementLead the selection and implementation of a new CMMS platformDevelop maintenance workflows, reporting systems, and preventive maintenance schedules within the CMMSEstablish maintenance best practices and standard operating proceduresIdentify opportunities for process improvements, automation, and increased equipment efficiencyPartner with operations, engineering, quality, and safety teams on continuous improvement initiativesAutomation & Facility ImprovementsSupport ongoing automation and modernization projects throughout the facilityCollaborate with technical teams regarding automation systems, controls, PLCs, robotics, and equipment upgradesProvide maintenance leadership for capital improvement projectsAssist in developing long term maintenance and reliability strategies as the facility continues to expand automation capabilitiesLeadership & Team DevelopmentRecruit, develop, coach, and mentor maintenance personnelEstablish clear performance expectations and accountability standardsConduct employee evaluations and performance discussionsFoster a culture focused on safety, teamwork, continuous improvement, and operational excellenceDevelop succession planning and employee development initiatives within the maintenance departmentSafety & CompliancePromote and maintain a strong culture of workplace safetyEnsure compliance with all applicable safety regulations and company policiesInvestigate maintenance related incidents and implement corrective actionsSupport environmental, health, and safety initiatives throughout the facilityMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing, Maintenance Management, or a related field preferred5+ years of maintenance leadership experience within a manufacturing environmentExperience leading maintenance teams in a high volume manufacturing operationStrong understanding of preventative maintenance, predictive maintenance, and reliability centered maintenance practicesExperience implementing or managing CMMS platforms strongly preferredKnowledge of automation systems, PLCs, robotics, electrical systems, and industrial equipment preferredStrong project management, planning, and organizational skillsProven ability to lead teams, develop employees, and drive accountabilityExcellent communication and leadership skillsKEY COMPETENCIESMaintenance LeadershipStrategic PlanningTeam DevelopmentContinuous ImprovementEquipment ReliabilityProblem SolvingProject ManagementChange ManagementCommunication & CollaborationAccountability & Results OrientationWORK SCHEDULEThis position is primarily a first shift leadership role and generally follows a standard business schedule. However, the Maintenance Manager is expected to provide leadership support and be available for occasional after hours issues, emergency situations, and on call support as needed.WHY WORK FOR PREMIERCompetitive compensation, commensurate with experience, education, and certificationsComprehensive benefits packagePaid vacation and holidaysRetirement savings opportunities with company matchingProfessional growth and advancement opportunitiesOpportunity to lead major maintenance and automation initiatives within a growing manufacturing organizationQUESTIONS?Reach out to us:Email Talent@HRConsulting.llcFollow us on Facebook and LinkedIn and see all of our career opportunitiesPremier Candle Corporation and HR Consulting Solutions LLC are Equal Opportunity Employers. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.